Standing outside the walls, all sort of emotions filled me. What was I getting myself into? We sat outside the prison for what seamed like a year. Could we not just go in and get this over with? After all, prison ministry was not something that I was excited for. I think I was traumatised as a young kid when my family went on a field trip to the prison (Sorry mom). So sitting there, waiting to go into the first offence prison in Africa was not my favourite moment on the race.
Thankfully the Lord redeems. As our team was ushered out into a fenced yard we were met by 30-50 men singing, dancing, and clapping their hands in praise to the Father. At that moment, all worry and fear faded away. I sat there on a bench under a tent and listened to these men lift up their voices in praise to their Father. It was nearly the most beautiful thing I have every seen in my life. I never thought that I would learn so much about my Father from men in a prison.
As I sat in a small group the second week in prison, I looked around at the faces in the group. I was overwhelmed, in that moment I think the Lord gave me eyes to see these men as he did. I stared into the eyes of the men, each eye told a story so different from the one before. Yet one thing was constant between each man—the way the Lords name made them cry.
These are men who are in prison for anything from stealing bread to murdering someone. They have made mistakes and hurt people. But yet at the mention of the name of Lord they instantly become like little children. Its so evident that they have found a new hope in the Lord, and He has REDEEMED them of all the wrong they have done. Even though their time in prison is not yet over they have already been set FREE. FREE from the past, FREE from shame, FREE from hurt, FREE from guilt, FREE from the mistakes they have made. Like you and me, when these men gave their lives to the Lord, they too where made NEW and set FREE from the chains that held them in bondage.
How beautiful it is to get to walk in NEWNESS with the Lord. To continually be set free from the mistakes we make. In the moment when I fail I find the Lord, because of His unfailing Love, He forgives me and loves me unconditionally.
When I was praying about 2017 and all that the Lord has in store for me, he gave me the word NEW. At first I was confused and didn’t know what it really meant. Now I believe this year the Lord is asking me to walk in NEWNESS with Him. Though I’m not sure as to what that looks like exactly I know one thing for sure is that the Lord is making me NEW every morning.
***Our time in Africa is quickly coming to an end. On February 27th our squad will be transitioning to month 8 in Asia. Our 3rd and final continent***
Also here are 5 facts for you on this fine Monday:
- Chicken curry is the best food in the world. If you disagree, chances are you haven’t had Emily Holland’s chicken curry. Its amazing.
- My favourite song currently is “Closer Than You Know” by Hillsong United.
- I started studying the book of Esther this morning. Finished Ruth, Exodus, and Joshua
- I found out that I can only pull off purple weaved braids for 5.6 days. African braids hurt:(
- Currently my favourite hair style is a bun up top. It really the best because it less likely to get pulled by some little kid.
- Bonus Fact: My birthday is in 11 days!!!!
